Bitdefender Windows 8 Security is an internet security and antivirus package which has been specifically designed for Windows 8/8.1. Or adapted, at least (it's essentially Bitdefender Internet Security with some useful Windows 8-specific additions).

The program installs more or less as you'd expect: it runs a preliminary scan to check all is well, downloads the full package and installs it.

After a reboot, the feature set is also more or less the same as usual. Real-time protection keeps you safe from harm; a firewall blocks network attacks; a spam filter watches your inbox; you can manually run scans whenever you like; and Bitdefender SafePay provides a secure and isolated browser to keep your online banking and shopping details protected.

There are Windows 8-specific features, though. These include support for Microsoft's new Early Launch Anti-malware (ELAM) feature, which means the program is launched before other boot drivers and can vet them for safety. The program can also analyse your Windows 8 apps for security problems, and integrates with the Windows 8 Security Center to keep you in touch with your system's status.

And all this is wrapped up in a revamped interface. It's not a Metro/Modern UI app - clicking the Bitdefender tile will still switch you to the desktop - but this then organises the program's functions into various areas, and you can view their status, change settings and more in just a click or two.

None of this is too revolutionary or surprising (perhaps the most important feature is ELAM support, and that's entirely invisible to the end user). Bitdefender always produce quality security suites, though, and this one is no exception. If you've upgraded to Windows 8 (or plan to do so soon) then it should be high on your security shortlist.

Note that the regular Bitdefender Internet Security 2015 and Total Security 2015 suites are fully Windows 8/8.1 compatible. This Bitdefender Windows 8 Security is a special product, specifically designed for Windows 8/8.1, with a Windows 8 UI and various Windows 8-only tweaks and improvements to benefit users of the latest operating system.

You cannot install a brand new security suite such as this Bitdefender product, unless you've removed your previous security suite, even in trial mode. You may need to the official removal tool for your previous security software to make sure it's fully removed from your system.

As an alternative download, you can install the 'offline' version of your Bitdefender software from the Bitdefender forum.

Uninstalling Bitdefender Software

You can uninstall your Bitdefender software using Add/Remove Programs in your Windows Control Panel.

If this fails for any reason, use the official Bitdefender Removal Tool to fully remove the security suite from your computer. Go to the official Removal Tool download page to download.

Performance Issues?

Most system performance issues are often a result of other software clashing with your brand new software. For instance, security software can clash with a background process, such as a system maintenance tool or defragmentation software. Another cause of system slowdown, is a result of two software applications performing a similar task. As an example, Windows includes a firewall switched on as a default. Your new security suite is likely to include a firewall. You only need one firewall running. In this example, try turning off your system firewall.

Uninstalling Your New Software

Occasionally you may need to either temporarily or permanently remove your new software.

On a Windows computer, go to the Control Panel and choose Programs and Features. Locate the program within the list, then click it to highlight it. Finally, click the Uninstall button at the top of the list and follow the instructions to remove the program from your PC.

On an Apple Mac computer, using Finder, locate the Applications folder. Within the Applications folder, find the name of the application you wish to remove. Simply drag the icon to your Trash icon in your dock. Empty the Trash to remove the files from your computer.

Still Having Problems?

If you cannot solve your system performance issues or are struggling to remove your software, we advise contacting the software manufacturer. If you placed an order, see the section in the order which states Support options. Alternatively, go to the Contact Us page to contact store support directly.